Importing 2020 GLE 350 to West Africa
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GLE 350 (V167)
Importing 2020 GLE 350 to West Africa
Hi guys,
I'm a long time lurker living in Ghana and I just bought my first Mercedes - a 2020 GLE 350.
Prices locally are insane: around $110,000 for a base model at the official dealership here. With this in mind I went ahead and bought one from the USA, it's due to get here in about 3 more weeks.
My question mainly has to do with the Mercedes Me functions as well as MBUX software updates. The Silver Star here refuses to give me any info until I physically have the car in hand, do you guys think I'll be able to register the eSIM with a local carrier to use the Mercedes Me functions? I'd love to be able to remote start the car.
Also regarding the software updates - if I can't have the eSIM registered to a local carrier, I'm guessing OTA updates won't work. Is there any way for the car to use LTE over Bluetooth with my phone like non-US BMW models can? Or am I at the mercy of the dealership?
Thanks
I'm a long time lurker living in Ghana and I just bought my first Mercedes - a 2020 GLE 350.
Prices locally are insane: around $110,000 for a base model at the official dealership here. With this in mind I went ahead and bought one from the USA, it's due to get here in about 3 more weeks.
My question mainly has to do with the Mercedes Me functions as well as MBUX software updates. The Silver Star here refuses to give me any info until I physically have the car in hand, do you guys think I'll be able to register the eSIM with a local carrier to use the Mercedes Me functions? I'd love to be able to remote start the car.
Also regarding the software updates - if I can't have the eSIM registered to a local carrier, I'm guessing OTA updates won't work. Is there any way for the car to use LTE over Bluetooth with my phone like non-US BMW models can? Or am I at the mercy of the dealership?
Thanks
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
Are you sure the US GLE has the proper software for your country of residence? Your car may require changes or possibly some features simply won’t work or be offered in your country. Is Ghana a RHD country?
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GLE 350 (V167)
Ghana is a LHD country, I'm coming from a 2018 Range Rover Velar in which I could just pop a physical SIM card in and boom, everything just works. (At least till it doesn't, I had so many issues with that car).
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We plan to have an aftermarket remote starter solution for your vehicle. Feel free to message us at sales@midcityengineering.com if the MB factory starter does not work in your area.
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GLE 450
Chale, you and I are the same predicament. I bought one for my wife from Canada. It's going to Nigeria.
I've been wondering about the eSim function. I think it's going to be an issue as the service is free, so that means MB is paying for the data service.
Wish more auto manufactures would realize their cars end up in different place than intended and make changing SIM cards easier, especially for Third World Countries.
Let me know what solution you come up with. My car is going to ship in two weeks, had to put over 3K miles on it before it could ship.
Have a 2/20 build
I've been wondering about the eSim function. I think it's going to be an issue as the service is free, so that means MB is paying for the data service.
Wish more auto manufactures would realize their cars end up in different place than intended and make changing SIM cards easier, especially for Third World Countries.
Let me know what solution you come up with. My car is going to ship in two weeks, had to put over 3K miles on it before it could ship.
Have a 2/20 build
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,757
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
Chale, you and I are the same predicament. I bought one for my wife from Canada. It's going to Nigeria.
I've been wondering about the eSim function. I think it's going to be an issue as the service is free, so that means MB is paying for the data service.
Wish more auto manufactures would realize their cars end up in different place than intended and make changing SIM cards easier, especially for Third World Countries.
Let me know what solution you come up with. My car is going to ship in two weeks, had to put over 3K miles on it before it could ship.
Have a 2/20 build
I've been wondering about the eSim function. I think it's going to be an issue as the service is free, so that means MB is paying for the data service.
Wish more auto manufactures would realize their cars end up in different place than intended and make changing SIM cards easier, especially for Third World Countries.
Let me know what solution you come up with. My car is going to ship in two weeks, had to put over 3K miles on it before it could ship.
Have a 2/20 build
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
GLE 350 (V167)
Chale, you and I are the same predicament. I bought one for my wife from Canada. It's going to Nigeria.
I've been wondering about the eSim function. I think it's going to be an issue as the service is free, so that means MB is paying for the data service.
Wish more auto manufactures would realize their cars end up in different place than intended and make changing SIM cards easier, especially for Third World Countries.
Let me know what solution you come up with. My car is going to ship in two weeks, had to put over 3K miles on it before it could ship.
Have a 2/20 build
I've been wondering about the eSim function. I think it's going to be an issue as the service is free, so that means MB is paying for the data service.
Wish more auto manufactures would realize their cars end up in different place than intended and make changing SIM cards easier, especially for Third World Countries.
Let me know what solution you come up with. My car is going to ship in two weeks, had to put over 3K miles on it before it could ship.
Have a 2/20 build
It's nice to have, but by no means is it a necessity.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 5
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GLE 350 (V167)
So that's how a lot of luxury car makers do it, namely Land Rover and Audi. BMW and Mercedes have been pretty stubborn about it. I know there's a workaround for BMW where we completely change the TCU and then find someone with access to the back office stuff where they can register your VIN to the new TCU. No workaround for Mercedes yet, but keeping my fingers crossed.
